The Union Health Ministry has sent a significant letter to the Indian Premier League regarding IPL 2025, calling for a ban on all promotions of tobacco and alcohol, including surrogate ads.

With IPL 2025 kicking off on March 22, 2025, Atul Goel, the Director General of Health Services, reached out to chairman Arun Dhumal, encouraging cricketers to steer clear of any direct or indirect involvement in tobacco or alcohol advertising.

IPL faces a ban on advertisements

The Director General stated that the IPL needs to enforce strict rules against any tobacco or alcohol advertising, including surrogate ads, in stadiums where games and IPL events are held, as well as during broadcasts on national TV.

He emphasized that the sale of tobacco and alcohol products should be prohibited at all related events and sports venues.

He also urged to avoid promoting athletes (including commentators) who endorse products associated with alcohol or tobacco, whether directly or indirectly.

Additionally, he pointed out that India faces a serious issue with non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and hypertension, which contribute to over 70% of annual deaths. Tobacco and alcohol are major risk factors for these diseases. India ranks second globally in tobacco-related deaths, with nearly 1.4 million deaths each year, while alcohol remains the most commonly used psychoactive substance. Cricket players serve as role models for youth, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Given that the IPL is the largest sports platform in the country, it has a responsibility to advocate for public health and support government health initiatives.

The IPL 2025 opening ceremony is set to happen in Kolkata, with the final also taking place in the West Bengal capital, where the Kolkata Knight Riders will defend their title.

In the IPL 2025 auction, Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player, with the Lucknow Super Giants acquiring him for ₹27 crore, starting from a base price of ₹2 crores. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer was picked up by the Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crores, also from a base price of ₹2 crores.

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